Blair Beasley was on the theatre faculty from 1977 to 2001. His special interest was in directing and the teaching of directing. This interest inspired his former students and friends to establish with him a scholarship in his name. The faculty nominate a continuing student who shows promise in the field of stage direction for this $750 scholarship.

Dean's Meritorious Scholarship Awards

These scholarships are given in amounts of $500 to $1000 and are available for students majoring in either theatre or dance. Decisions concerning these awards are made as a result an audition or portfolio review prior to enrolling at Winthrop. An award to an out-of-state student includes a grant to cover as much as $14,080 of out-of-state fees and are renewable for up to four years of award to students who continue to demonstrate a high level of achievement and active participation in the department's productions.

We are also now accepting Dean's Meritorious Scholarship Award applications through Acceptd.com

This scholarship was created in 2007 to honor the memory of Lyssa Rauch. The faculty award this $1000 scholarship to a rising senior majoring in Theatre Education, majoring in Theatre and minoring in Education, or a 5th year MAT student majoring in Theatre Education. They should also be actively involved in theatre with a secondary interest in vocal music, instrumental music, dance, or children's theatre. The recipient should possess the same contagious zest for life and personal courage embodied by Lyssa Rauch. Eligible students must apply for this scholarship (pdf - 104 KB) in order to be considered.

The 2016-17 Lyssa Rauch Memorial Scholarship nominee is Madia Medico, a senior theatre performance major from Summerville, South Carolina.

Martie Curran Endowed Scholarship in Theatre

This scholarship was created in 2006 by the Alumni Association to honor long-time Director of the Alumni Office, Martie Curran. The faculty nominate an outstanding continuing theatre major for this scholarship.

The 2016-17 Martie Curran Endowed Scholarship nominees are Michelle Perri a senior musical theatre concentration major from Bluffton, South Carolina and Stephanie Schley, a senior design/technical theatre major from Goose Creek, South Carolina.

Mary Howey Deckle Theatre Scholarship

This prestigious scholarship, which provides for the full cost of tuition and is renewable for up to eight semesters, recognizes outstanding achievement of full-time incoming students majoring in theatre. It was established by the estate of Ann Coleman Peyton in honor of her mother, Mary Howey Deckle. Ann Coleman's cousin, Emmy Lou Howey, attended Winthrop but perished in a car accident in 1950 before she was able to complete her final year of study. This scholarship honors Emmy Lou Howey and Mary Howey Deckle through the generosity of Ann Coleman Peyton. Further information contact the Department office at 803-323-2287.

Producers Circle Scholarships

The department faculty awards this scholarship to theatre and dance majors who have established themselves in the program by being active in the department and who maintain at least a 3.00 GPA at the time of application. Scholarships range from $250 to $500 per year. Out-of-state scholarships include a grant to cover as much as $14,080 of out-of-state fees. Continuing students must apply in order to be considered. The department's faculty review all applications and make the award decisions. Current students should download the 2017-2018 Producers Circle information and application (pdf - 212 KB). The form is an editable pdf file. Download. Type in the requested information. Print it out. SIGN IT. Turn it in to the dept. office by the deadline.

The Rose Family/Concepts in Motivation Dance Scholarship

This scholarship provides a $500.00 award for students majoring in dance who demonstrate exceptional academic and artistic potential. First-year applicants must earn a minimum of 1000 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (or ACT equivalent). Applicants may be required to audition for the scholarship. This scholarship is renewable to upperclassmen who maintain a 3.0 grade point average only after there are no qualifying freshmen. First preference will be given to students from the Mid-Atlantic Region (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.).

The 2016-17 Rose Family/Concepts in Motivation Dance Scholarship nominee is Graciela Bell, a freshman dance education major from Tuckerton, New Jersey.

The Winthrop Dance Repertory Ensemble touring ensemble poses after performing at a local school.

York County Ballet Dance Scholarship

Formed in 1978, the York County Ballet (YCB) offers classes and performances for young dancers in the region. The company has toured internationally and has performed for many years at the Piccolo Spoletto Festival. YCB has maintained a close relationship with the Winthrop dance program for many years, and the company sponsors this scholarship to support excellence in dance at Winthrop University. The faculty nominates a continuing dance major based on academic excellence, contribution to the dance program and artistic promise for this annual $500 scholarship.

The 2016-17 York County Ballet Dance Scholarship nominee is Carley Tomlinson a dance major from Travelers Rest, South Carolina.